PFIAA Tick of Approval
How can a pet food company get a Tick of Approval?
You might be wondering what’s significant about the PFIAA Tick of Approval program.
As Australia doesn’t currently have pet food regulation the PFIAA Tick of Approval Logo is valuable in helping you identify pet food products that have been produced to meet the highest level of safety in Australia.
Members of the PFIAA are committed to the production of safe pet food products that are compliant with the Australian Standard AS5812 Manufacturing and marketing of pet food – cats and dogs. Members are third-party audited regularly against the Australian Standard.
Compliance with AS5812 is pivotal for pet food companies in Australia wanting to produce safe and nutritious pet food. The AS5812 sets out stringent requirements to ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional adequacy of pet food products and is a commitment to upholding best-practice standards in pet food manufacturing. The PFIAA Tick of Approval is a simple and straightforward way for you to be able to identify a compliant product – whether it is on-pack, or on member marketing materials.
So, what’s involved in obtaining the PFIAA Tick of Approval on a product?
Well, it’s a rigorous process, but in simple terms, the product must be validated to comply with AS5812, such as:
- Implementation of comprehensive food safety and quality management systems – this involves documentation of processes and procedures, procurement and traceability of ingredients and the maintenance of detailed production and distribution records.
- Regular testing and validation of ingredients are required to verify their safety and quality – companies must ensure that all ingredients meet defined specifications and are free from contaminants.
- Implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles – this involves identifying potential hazards and establishing critical control points to mitigate risks. This proactive approach ensures that any potential safety issues are addressed promptly.
- Compliance with all labelling, marketing, and nutritional requirements – what you see on the label is what is in the food, to meet the nutritional requirements of your pet.
Third party audits play a crucial role in authenticating a company’s compliance with AS5812. Auditors are from an authorised audit body, not linked to the PFIAA or its members ensuring independence and integrity of the program. PFIAA Members are required to have regular third-party audits to ensure ongoing compliance against all sections of the Standard. These audits involve a critical review of documentation, processes, ingredients, reviews of labels, and an inspection of facilities. Any non-compliances identified during audits must be addressed within the rules of the program before the audit can be closed by the auditor. If a company is compliant, they may use the PFIAA Tick of Approval on their labels and in their marketing materials.
Identifying a safe and nutritious pet food product has been made easier thanks to the PFIAA Tick of Approval Program. Keep your eye out for the logo, and if in doubt, ask your pet food brand if they are AS5812 compliant. Visit our website for certified members at Our Members | The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (pfiaa.com.au)